Abstract

The fast fashion industry has emerged as a significant contributor to global environmental degradation due to its resource-intensive production methods, high carbon emissions, and massive textile waste. This study conducts a comparative legal analysis of the regulatory frameworks addressing the environmental impacts of fast fashion in Sweden, Germany, and China. The research examines the effectiveness, enforcement mechanisms, and sustainability goals embedded within each country’s legal system. Sweden and Germany, as members of the European Union, are guided by the EU’s circular economy and textile waste directives, while also implementing national regulations and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. In contrast, China, as a leading global manufacturer and consumer of fast fashion, has developed unique environmental policies and initiatives, including the promotion of green supply chains and cleaner production standards. The study highlights the strengths and limitations of each jurisdiction’s approach, identifies best practices, and provides recommendations for harmonizing global regulatory efforts to mitigate the environmental harms of fast fashion. This comparative framework aims to support the development of more effective and globally coherent policies for sustainable fashion production and consumption.